The accelerating loss of biodiversity has become a major concern in environmental geography, driven primarily by human activities over the past decades. Deforestation, industrialization, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change are key contributors to this global crisis. Understanding these major causes of biodiversity decline is essential for students preparing for environmental studies and competitive exams, as well as for policymakers and conservationists seeking sustainable solutions.
Major Causes of Biodiversity Loss in Environmental Geography (Recent Decades)
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Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is under unprecedented threat due to human-induced factors surpassing natural causes.
Human expansion, unsustainable economic activities, and environmental stressors have drastically reduced species diversity, causing ecological imbalance. The main causes contributing to this loss are detailed below for a comprehensive understanding.
- (i) Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and species isolation are the leading threats.
- (ii) Pollution from industrial and agricultural sources accelerates ecosystem degradation.
- (iii) Unsustainable exploitation, overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade decimate vulnerable species.
- (iv) Climate change and environmental stress further intensify species vulnerability and extinction risks.
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Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Habitat destruction and fragmentation remain the most significant drivers of species decline, severely affecting plants and animals.
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Causes of Habitat Loss
The destruction of natural habitats arises from human expansion and economic exploitation, which isolates species populations and restricts survival.
- (i) Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture or industrial projects drastically reduces forest cover.
- (ii) Urban development: Expanding cities fragment ecosystems into smaller patches.
- (iii) Infrastructure projects: Roads, dams, and mining operations disrupt species migration and breeding patterns.
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Effects of Habitat Fragmentation
Fragmented habitats lead to population isolation, limiting genetic diversity and adaptability.
- (i) Restricted migration paths hinder species’ search for food, mates, and shelter.
- (ii) Reduced reproductive success increases extinction risk.
- (iii) Nearly 67% of threatened species are affected by habitat degradation and fragmentation.
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Impact of Pollution on Biodiversity
Pollution from industrialization and agriculture significantly disrupts ecosystems worldwide.
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Chemical Pollution Effects
The use of pesticides and fertilizers contaminates soil and water, affecting species health and population dynamics.
- (i) Runoff from farms creates 'dead zones' in aquatic ecosystems.
- (ii) Toxic discharge from industries pollutes rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- (iii) Persistent organic pollutants bioaccumulate, affecting the food chain.
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Plastic and Non-Biodegradable Waste
Accumulation of plastics in oceans and terrestrial habitats severely impacts wildlife survival.
- (a) Marine mammals, birds, and fish ingest plastics, leading to death and population decline.
- (b) Land animals ingest or get entangled in waste, disrupting ecological balance.
- (c) Vehicular emissions and urban runoff further exacerbate biodiversity loss.
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Exploitation and Illegal Wildlife Trade
Unsustainable exploitation of plants and animals is a major driver of biodiversity loss, both legally and illegally.
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Overfishing and Overharvesting
Commercial overexploitation of resources threatens species survival and ecosystem health.
- (i) Overfishing has reduced fish populations by over 90% in some regions.
- (ii) Overharvesting of timber and medicinal plants leads to habitat degradation.
- (iii) Illegal trade in endangered species like elephants, rhinos, and tigers remains a multi-billion-dollar threat worldwide.
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Global Black Market and Biodiversity
The international black market fuels illegal hunting, poaching, and trafficking of exotic species.
- (a) Poaching of wildlife for tusks, skins, and horns drives species closer to extinction.
- (b) Exotic pets and ornamental species are trafficked globally, destabilizing ecosystems.
- (c) Commercial hunting of vulnerable species continues despite legal restrictions.
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Climate Change and Environmental Stress
Climate change, accelerated by human activity, alters ecosystems at a pace that threatens species survival.
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Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity
Rising global temperatures, ocean warming, and extreme weather events disturb the ecological balance.
- (i) Deforestation contributed a 41% increase in carbon emissions between 1979 and 1989 (Myers, 1989).
- (ii) Disrupted plant flowering, crop calendars, and animal migration cycles affect species survival.
- (iii) Over 1,200 bird species and countless insect populations, including honeybees, are now threatened with extinction.
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Extreme Weather and Species Loss
Frequent floods, cyclones, and droughts amplify species vulnerability.
- (a) Rising sea levels reduce coastal habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species.
- (b) Heatwaves and storms increase mortality rates in vulnerable populations.
- (c) Marine mammals, including whales, face rising mortality linked to climate-induced habitat stress.
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Summary of Major Causes of Biodiversity Loss
Understanding the major causes of biodiversity loss—including habitat fragmentation, pollution, exploitation, and climate change—is crucial for students of environmental geography and exam preparation. These drivers threaten global ecosystems, endanger species, and demand urgent conservation action to preserve ecological balance and ensure sustainable development.
